Virtual Application Distribution Chassis Configuration Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual cluster systems, synchronizing configuration files across multiple controllers is challenging, especially when changes occur, as they must be consistently updated across all nodes to maintain operational harmony, and ensuring that all controllers adhere to the latest configuration is crucial for providing scalable and high-availability services.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system where a master blade processes configuration commands, updates the configuration file, generates a tag for the updated file, and communicates this information to other blades within the virtual application distribution chassis, ensuring all blades receive and apply the latest configuration settings, including handling scenarios where a blade rejoins the cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are made to a controller in a cluster, then the controller can provide updated functionality, but the operation of other controllers in the cluster may be adversely affected if the change conflicts with existing configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The master blade processes configuration commands and updates the configuration file before distributing it to other blades. This preliminary action ensures that configuration changes are prepared and validated centrally before being applied across the cluster, preventing conflicts and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where blades send requests to the master blade to verify if their configuration files are outdated. The master blade responds with tags indicating configuration version, allowing blades to determine whether they need to download updated configurations. This feedback loop ensures all blades remain synchronized without unnecessary updates.
2Productivity
If the configuration file is updated to include new changes, then the controller functionality is improved, but the complexity of ensuring all controllers have the latest configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master blade acts as an intermediary between configuration changes and individual blades. It receives configuration commands, updates the configuration file, generates version tags, and distributes updated configurations to blades that need them. This intermediary role simplifies synchronization management by centralizing coordination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The master blade performs multiple functions: processing configuration commands, maintaining the configuration file, generating version tags, and distributing updates to blades. This multi-functionality consolidates synchronization management into a single controller, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased responsibilities of the master blade.
3Reliability
If a controller becomes unavailable and rejoin the cluster, then high availability is maintained, but the controller may have outdated configuration that conflicts with other controllers
Solution Approach 1:
When a blade rejoins the cluster, it sends a request to the master blade to check if its configuration is outdated. The master blade compares the blade's configuration tag with the current configuration file tag and provides feedback indicating whether an update is needed. This feedback mechanism ensures rejoined blades receive updated configurations without conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of configuration status before allowing a rejoined blade to operate. The blade must query the master blade and receive confirmation that its configuration is current or obtain an updated configuration file before resuming normal operations, preventing configuration conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for synchronization of configuration files of a plurality of blades in a virtual application distribution chassis are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a master blade processes a configuration command, updates a first configuration file with the configuration command and generates an updated tag, and sends a configuration message to at least one slave blade of the virtual application distribution chassis informing of the updated configuration file. The configuration message is received by a given slave blade of the one or more slave blades and compared with a second configuration file stored at the given slave blade; and in response to determining that the updated tag in the configuration message is more recent than the tag in the second configuration file stored at the given slave blade, the slave blade sends a request for the updated configuration file to the master blade.